As record-breaking heat continues to threaten workers across the United States and Canada, calls for enhanced workplace heat protections are intensifying. Last year recorded the hottest day on record, and experts warn that this summer may see even higher temperatures, increasing the risk of heat-related illnesses and injuries on the job. Investigations in Ontario reveal a spike in critical workplace injuries on the hottest days, yet previously proposed protections have not been implemented. In the U.S., federal efforts to safeguard workers face setbacks, notably with the firing of thousands of employees at the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), raising concerns about worker safety enforcement. States vary in their responses: Arizona has issued a new heat safety executive order, while Texas GOP lawmakers have resisted legislation to prevent heat-related workplace illnesses and deaths. Governor Greg Abbott's bill banning mandated rest breaks for construction workers remains stalled in appeals court. Advocates urge Congress to pass a federal heat protection bill, and local officials, including New York City Comptroller, emphasize the need for state and local legislation such as the TEMP Act to establish heat safety standards for the 1.4 million outdoor workers in NYC. Labor organizations stress that workplace safety should never be optional, calling for the reinstatement of all NIOSH workers to ensure adequate protection as summer temperatures rise.